Retro Golf Party Invitations, Decoration and Menu Ideas

Retro Golf Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Zazzle

I love all things retro and being a new golfer, I decided to put the two together and design a fun Retro Golf Invitation - one for guys and one for gals. This invitation is perfect for a birthday celebration,  a round of golf with the pals or even a guys or gals getaway weekend-- perhaps a bachelor party in Palm Springs!

Retro Golf Party Invitation - Gal by B.Nute productions on Zazzle

Below are some decoration and menu ideas to make your Retro Golf Party memorable.

Retro Golf Party Decoration Ideas
Astroturf - a little astroturf as a center runner on a table, or individual astroturf "placemats" will definitely set the mood for your golf party. Head to your local super hardware store to pick up a yard or two.
Golf Balls - A few golf balls can be scattered on your astroturf centerpiece to add to your look... or lots of golf balls in glass containers can make a great centerpiece. Golf balls can get pretty pricey, so if you need a lot, look into buying used golf balls from a driving range or golf store.
Golf Ball Bucket - Look for fun plastic or tin buckets to help decorate your space. If you find a real golf ball bucket (online or from your local driving range), clean it out and use to serve a salad, or plant some grass in them, and have your own personal "green" at the table.
Golf Tees - Tees can be placed around your centerpiece for accents, or order up some personalized golf tees, and place in a glass container for decoration. Be sure to remember to hand them out at the end of the party as a goodie bag treat!
Plaid - Use a retro plaid fabric for napkins, or tear long 1" x 8" strips of plaid fabric and use to tie silverware together. If you have a lot of it, you can also use it as a table cloth.
Argyle - Argyle socks may not make the best decoration, but find an argyle paper print or argyle fabric print to help decorate your space.
Retro Cocktail Ware - Swizzle sticks, cocktail napkins, coasters and more... head over to Etsy, eBay or your favorite vintage site to find some old Country Club style bar ware to accent your party.

Retro Golf Party Menu Ideas
1950's to 1970's party food is perfect for your retro gathering! Chips and dip, meatballs and more, see below to make your retro menu fit the golf theme!

Food
Chip it and Dip it! - Pour your favorite potato chips into a bowl, and make the ever popular onion soup mix/sour cream dip to do with it... the perfect chips and dip for "chipping it".
Bucket of Balls - Pull out the fondue pot, and make some retro hot and spicy meatballs-- the perfect bucket of balls for your party.
Irons & Woods: Celery and Carrot Sticks - Golf club shaped cruidité like celery sticks and carrots along with a dip are a healthy addition to your menu.
Weenie-in-One: Wrap cocktail weenies in refrigerator dough for a hole-in-one appetizer.
Club Sandwiches - Serve these as sandwiches as triangles topped with a decorative toothpick for retro fun.
Wedge Salad - Cut up wedges of iceberg lettuce and drizzle with retro thousand island dressing for the perfect wedge!

Drinks
Iced-Tee - There's nothing like a cool iced tea after a round of golf!
Arnold Palmer - Iced tea and lemonade is a classic refreshment after golf.
Whiskey Sour - Add a little spunk to your party with some whiskey sours.
Beer - Canned beer can have quite a retro effect for your party. Just fill up a tub full of beers, and the crowd will be happy.
Pink Lemonade - Pink lemonade is a cutesy retro drink sure to please the gals.

Free Printable Vintage Golf Menu Cards

Free Printable Vintage Golf Menu Cards from B.Nute productions

I'm loving anything with a vintage golf theme these days. I've just taken up golf myself (I got new clubs at Christmas) and now with the weather warming up, I'm ready to go! I, of course need some appropriate attire. I wish the vintage styling that I see in some everyday fashion was hitting the golf course as well. It's such a classic look and I'm sure wearing it would make me a better golfer, right? (Ha!)

Growing up, I've watched my grandmother, and now mother get more and more involved in golf. Their "ladies" outings with lunch or cocktails following a game seems like such a great way to spend the day. I'm thinking I should host a ladies golf luncheon myself! Maybe these free Vintage Golf Menu printables I'm featuring today will get me motivated.

Whether you are hosting a Vintage Golf Party, a ladies luncheon, a golf tournament, or any other golf themed gathering, these free printable Vintage Golf Menu Cards are the perfect look! They are blank, and ready for you to either hand write your menu or have it typed (see below for hints on how to have the menu typed.)

See ya on the back 9!

Free Printable Vintage Golf Menu Cards

Free Printable Vintage Golf Menu Cards from B.Nute productions

Tips for Creating and Printing Your Vintage Golf Menu Card

If you'd like to have your menu typed on to the menu card, just follow these few steps:
1. Select link above. Go to your browsers File Menu and select "Save As". Save image to your local computer.
2. Open an image editing program, and use the type tool to add your menu items. Create one list, then copy and paste this to the other two. Now print out file, and cut cards.
3. Or, if you prefer, open a desktop publishing program, import the saved jpg, and add type on top of the menu card. Now print out file, and cut cards.
4. Another option is to first print out the menu card (blank) and cut out each card (they are 3.5x7 in size.) In MS Word, create a narrow 3.5"x7" document. Leave a large margin at the top, and at least .75" margins on left and right. Type menu. Feed printed menu card through your printer and print out the MS Word document on top.
5. Lastly, a hand written menu is an easy option as well! Just select link above, print out on card stock and hand write menu!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Free Printable Vintage Golf Cards - Famous Golf Courses

Free Printable Vintage Golf Cards from B.Nute productions

These free printable Vintage Golf cards are perfect for your upcoming golf party, a luncheon before a round of golf, or to put on a present for a golf fan! Labelled with 8 of the most famous golf courses in the world, and sporting a vintage golfing figure, just print out the cards below and use them for whatever your need-- here are just a few ideas:

• Menu Cards for a Buffet
• Name Cards for a Table
• Name Tags (if printed on sticker stock)
• Gift Tags (printed on card stock and strung with ribbon)

Free Printable Golf Tags/Cards

Free Printable Vintage Golf Cards/Tags by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Printing Your Vintage Golf Tags/Cards
1. Select the link above (at bottom of image), and print out on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. Print on card stock to give the cards some weight. 
2. Cut out, and write menu item, name, greeting or other text as needed.

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Make Your Own Mini Golf Course: Free Printable Instructions

Make Your Own Mini Golf Course: Free Printable Instructions

I can't tell you how many times my son has set up a mini golf course to pass the time. It's the perfect activity for those days when all you here is "I'm bored..." or that unexpected rainy afternoon. It's also a great way to entertain kids at an at-home golf party!

To get your creative juices flowing and make up your own at-home mini golf course, I've come up with free printable instructions for 9 holes, including hills, ramps, water hazards and a swinging obstacle! All the items are things you can find around the home. Once you start hunting, I'm sure you'll find many more objects and items to help with your course!

Free Printable Make Your Own Mini Golf Course Instructions

Make Your Own Mini Golf Course: Holes 1 - 4 from B.Nute productions

Make Your Own Mini Golf Course: Holes 5-7 from B.Nute productions

Make Your Own Mini Golf Course: Holes 8 and 9 from B.Nute productions

Instructions for Printing Your MIni Golf Course Instructions
1. Select the links above (at bottom of image), and print out on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. 
2. Hunt around your house for objects and set up your course!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Free Printable Golf Cootie Catcher / Fortune Teller

Free Printable Golf Cootie Catcher by B.Nute productions

Golf can be a fickle game for many-- somedays you hit like a pro, somedays you spend a lot of time in the rough... it's all part of the learning process, right? Well here's a sure fire way to get you motivated on the green-- a free printable golf cootie catcher/fortune teller. Just whip this out on the 1st hole, and read your fortune. The next thing you know, you may just end up with a hole-in-one!

Perhaps you're not headed to the course, but having a golf party instead-- print out a bunch of these to give away in the goodie bag, or full an adult-themed party, but them at each guests plate. The crowd will have fun reading each other's golf fortunes!

Free Printable Golf Cootie Catcher / Fortune Teller

Free Printable Golf Cootie Catcher / Fortune Teller by BNute productions

Instructions for Making your Golf Cootie Catcher or Fortune Teller
1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. 
2. Trim the edges/extra paper.
3. Now begin to fold. For detailed folding instructions, see Cootie Catcher Folding Instructions from the Daring Book for Girls.
4. Now read your friend's golf fortunes!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Free Printable Design Your Own 9 Hole Golf Course

Free Printable Design Your Own 9 Hole Golf Course by B.Nute productions

Growing up, my family was friends with a pretty famous golf course designer. I always thought that would be a very cool job. It's like designing a board game, with challenges, strategy and rules to follow but you get to use real live nature as your board; grass, hills, trees, rocks, water, sand and more. Of course, there's much more involved than just that. Even thinking of figuring out the irrigation system would throw me into a endless sand trap-- so how about a fun coloring page, instead, where I can just pretend to be a golf course designer for a couple minutes.

Whether you are having a golf party, or just need a good doodle page for those long meetings at work when you'd rather be out playing golf -- here's the perfect free printable for you... A Design Your Own 9 Hole Golf Course. The toolbox of golf course features are on the left-- use those symbols and fill up your holes with hazards, obstacles, and of course a green. While your at it, add any other feature you'd like as well.

Free Printable Design Your Own 9 Hole Golf Course
Coloring Page

Free Printable Design Your Own 9 Hole Golf Course by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Your Coloring Page
1. Select each link above, and print out the page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (print in landscape mode). 
2. Start designing!
Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Vintage Golf Party Invitations and More

Vintage Golf Party Invitation, Stickers and Stationery by B.Nute productions on Zazzle

Golf season is in full swing, time to par-tee!! For many years now, I've sat back and let my husband and parents play golf while I've been with the kids. With my new clubs from Christmas, and lessons this spring, I'm ready to join in and find out what all the hubbub is around golf.

In my very few outings so far, I can see why this sport can be so addicting. Being outdoors, chatting with friends and family and the occasional swing-- this is just my speed right now, and it suits me fine.

Here's a Vintage Golf party theme for the golf fans and golfers who have found the love for golf like me. Sophisticated stripes, an elegant border, playful text and a fun vintage golf illustration make this a memorable party invite, perfect for a birthday gathering on the course, or a big milestone celebration.

So, "drive" on over to my shop and pick up your Vintage Golf Party goods, the perfect look for your par-tee.

Scrapbook Paper Ideas: Printed Envelope including Envelope Templates

Envelopes printed with Digital Scrapbook papers from B.Nute productions

There's nothing like a printed envelope to make your letter, invitation or thank you note stand out in the mail! Paying for printing of envelopes can be quite pricey-- so instead, just craft some on your own. All you need is some digital scrapbook papers (or printed if you'd like), an envelope template below, and just a little crafting time. Here are some simple instructions to make some fun envelopes.

Printed Envelope Templates

Select the links below and print out the appropriate sized envelope template for your invitation/card. You can print it out on regular white paper, or a light card stock will work too. (Note: A7 size envelope is for a 5x7 invitation, the smaller envelope template is for a 4x6 card, or photo if you'd like.)

Digital Scrapbook Papers printed on to Envelope Template:
Milk and Cookies Paper, Vintage Golf Paper and Sweet Treats Papers shown here

Put the envelope template back through your printer and this time print the digital scrapbook paper design. (Note: For A7 envelope, be sure to select "bleed" or print to edges if possible to get the most pattern on the paper.)

Sweet Treats Printed Paper on Envelope Template - Cut Out

Now cut out the template on the black line. Next step, fold flaps on all sides.

Folded Envelope with Sweet Treats Print

Once our envelope is folded, use a little glue or glue stick on the edge flaps and seal sides. Let dry before stuffing with letter or invitation.

Sweet Treats Thank You Card from B.Nute productions, with Hand Made Sweet Treats Envelope (using digital scrapbook paper)

Once dry, put your card in, seal top flap, address and mail. If pattern is light enough, you can write the name and address on front, or you can use a white address label if you'd like.

Argyle Digital Scrapbook Paper made into envelope with Vintage Golf Invite by B.Nute productions.

Milk and Cookies Digital Scrapbook Paper made into envelope with Milk and Cookies Invite by B.Nute productions

Below are the two envelope templates used in this project. One fits a 4x6 card, and the second fits an A7 (5x7) card or invitation. These both can be printed on 8.5x11 paper.

Free Printable 4x6 Envelope Template by B.Nute productions (fits 8.5x11 paper)

Free Printable A7 (5x7) Envelope Template by B.Nute productions (fits 8.5x11 paper)

Instructions for Printing Your Envelope Templates

1. Select specific envelope template link above and print out from your browser. Use card stock to give the envelope some weight if you'd like.

2. Follow instructions in this blog post for creating your postcard with digital scrapbook paper as the front!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

*The* List of Party Themes

Close Up of B.Nute productions "Here Comes the Party" invitation

In honor of kids heading back to school, I thought this week I'd dedicate my blog posts to lists, you know the kind... like a back to school list of supplies, but these lists are all party focused, of course! I just love lists. I hope these are helpful in the future for you!

Today's list is of party themes. This is to help all those up late at night wondering what on earth they will do for their child's next birthday? I'm sure something below will catch your eye!

Theme

20's Flapper Girl Party

3 Little Piggies Party

40's Big Band Party

50's Beebop Sock Hop Party

50's Soda Fountain Party

80's Glam Rock Party

African Safari Party

Alpine Skiing Party

Around the World Party

Art Party

Ballerina Party

Baseball Party

Basketball Party

Beach Party

Beehive Hairdo/Retro Party

Big Apple Party

Big Game Party

Big Hair Rocker Party

Board Game Party

Bon Voyage (luggage, map, hotels)

Bon Voyage (roadtrip)

Bowling

Broadway Baby Party

Butterfly Party

Camp Out

Carnival

Carousel Party

Casino

Champagne Tasting Party

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Party

Charlottes Web Party

Cheese and Wine Party

Cherry Party

Chinese Party

Chocolate Party

Chronicles of Narnia Party

Cinderella Party

Circus Animals Party

Circus Big Top Party

Circus Billboard Party

Circus Parade party

Clambake/Lobster Boil/Crab Feast

Construction/Builder Party

County Fair Party

Cowgirl Party

Cupcake Party

Destination Party

Dinosaur Party

Disco/Dance Party

Doll Party

Dragon

Dragonflies Party

Egyptian Party

Fairy: Flower Fairy

Fairy: Glitter Fairy Princess

Fairy: Modern Fairy

Fairy: Woodland Fairy

Farm Party

Fashion Show Party

Fiesta

Firehouse Party

Fondue Party

Football Party

Fortune Teller (Palm Reading, Tarot Card) Party

Golf Party

Grand Prix Race Car Party

Gypsy Party

Hardy Boys

HipHop Party

Hockey Party

Hollywood Party

Honey Bee Party

Hula Girl Party

Ice Skating Party

India Party

Indiana Jones Party

Insect/Bug Party

Italian Party

Jazzy Jazz Party

Jumpy House Party

Jungle Party

Karate Party

Kite Party

Knight and Dragon

Lady Bug Party

Let is Snow Winter Party

Lil'Gardener Party

Ma Petite (Toile) party

Mad Hatter Party

Mad Scientist Party

Magic Party

Makeover/Model Party

Masquerade Party

Memphis Blues Party

Mermaid

Mini Golf Party

Mobster/Mafia/Gangster Party

Monkey Party

Moroccan Party

Movie Party

Movie Star Party

Mustache Bash

Nancy Drew

Nifty 50's Party

Nursery Rhyme Party

Olympic Party

Paper Lantern Party

Paperdoll Party

Paris Party

Party Hats Party

Perfume Party

Pinball Party

Pirate party

Playtime Party

Polka Dot Party

Pool Party

Pretty Posies Garden Party

Princess and Knight Royal Party

Princess Fairy Tale Party

Princess: Egyptian Princess Party

Princess: Indian Princess Party

Robin Hood Party

Robot Party

Rock Climbing Party

Rock Star - Guitar Party

Rock Star - Singer Party

Sailboat Party

Shark Party

Sherlock Holmes Party

Skateboarding Party

Sledding/Tubing Party

Sleepover Party

Snow White Party

Snowboarding Party

Soccer Party

South of France Party

Spa Party

Space/Rocket Party

Spy Party

Star Wars Party

Stargazing Party

Summer BBQ

Summer Camp

Summer of Love Hippie Party

Superhero Party

Surfer Party

Sweet 16

Sweet Treas Party

Tailgate Party

Tatoo Party

Teapot/Teacup Tea Party

Tennis Party

The Dish, Spoon, Cow, Moon Party

Tiki Party

Toy Shop Party

Train (ticket) Party

Truck Party

Under the Sea Party

Video Game Party

Vineyard Party

Wakeboarding Party

Water Park Party (sprinklers)

Western "Wanted" Showdown Party

Western Round Up Party

Wind in the Willows Party

Wine Tasting Party

Wizard

Wizard of Oz Party

Woodland Party

Zodiac Party

Zoo Party This list will be posted in a permanent location on my website, with categorization and all! I'll be sure to let you know when it's there. If I've missed some themes, (which I'm sure I have) please let me know so I can add them to the list! Happy Party Planning!

5 Things for Dad on His Day

Tomorrow's Father's Day, and like always, I'm scrambling to figure out what to do for my husband... he's the kind of guy that doesn't need any "thing..." So, here's what I came up with:

1. No fathering on Father's Day...
Some fathers may disagree with this... but I know for me on Mother's Day, it's nice to be with the kids, but not have to "be" with them per say... So, on Father's day for my husband this year, he can leave the "joys" of parenting to me. (i.e., stopping the fights, the whining, the demands for this and that... you know...)

2. Let him play that 18 holes of golf...
It doesn't quite fit in with our plans tomorrow... but I'll give him a rain check on this one... just get it on the calendar now, since a surprise all-day golf game can sometimes not be what everyone was "expecting" for that day.

3. Let Him Watch, Listen, and Constantly Check-in with the Sporting World
So, NBA and Hockey are over... there's still baseball, and this Father's Day, the US Open. Where ever we are, I'll be sure to let him check the scores or watch these fabulous events as often as he'd like!

4. Bring him that Lovely Glass of Wine before he either gets one himself, or asks!
OK, so it may just be past noon, but who cares... if he wants a glass of wine (beer, or cocktail), he can have it!

5. Make him his Favorite Meal
My husband has already put in his order for dinner tomorrow night... and it even involves him grilling. How can I deny his stomach something he's been thinking about for several days!!

Possibly I'll come up with some other miraculous gift before now and then... but if not, I hope this list will let him know what an amazing dad and husband he is!

Free Printable Reading /Video Game Log

Free Printable Reading/Video Game Log by B.Nute productions

Summer break is here, and although my kids will be very active with swim team, tennis lessons, golf, traveling and more, I know we will still have lots of downtime.... downtime that if my son had his way would be spent playing video games.

I'm definitely not one to prohibit a little gaming. My kids like it and even my husband loves to join in on the weekends. Like everything, though, it needs to be in moderation. So, this summer we are starting something new. I've created a Reading/Gaming Log page to actively track their gaming time and their reading time. The initial plan is, for every minute they read, they will get a minute of game time. My daughter is a big reader, but my son on the other hand will read only every so often. He also thinks that 20 minutes of reading is a good amount... but when it comes to his iPad games, he can be engaged for 120 minutes and not blink an eye. I think this log will give the kids a chance to see how much time they do spend on these activities, and possibly modify it in the future and/or choose alternatives to gaming like possibly running around outside!

We'll see how it goes. I'll definitely report back mid-summer and let you know!

Free Printable Reading/Gaming Log

Free Printable Reading/Gaming Log by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Printing Your Reading/Gaming Log

1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. Use 8.5: x 11" paper.

2. Fill in your reading time and minutes and game time and minutes. In the balance column, subtract the gaming time from the reading time.

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Soccer Party Game Ideas

Soccer Party Game Ideas from B.Nute productions

Your soccer enthusiast insists on a Soccer Party. Now what will you do to entertain the players? Here are loads of game ideas for your Soccer Party. Some ideas are straight out of a soccer practice, some are variants... either way, these game ideas should be loads of fun for the soccer star or the possible more shy ones who may be new to the game.

(Note: Many of these games are ideas for a large field/area. If your party is being held at your home, perhaps walk the gang to the local school yard or playground for the extra space. If not, a driveway or your yard will still do! For smaller spaces, use a smaller ball and/or a nerf/softer ball. For indoor spaces, consider using a plush ball.)

Warm Up Fun
Everyone needs to warm up their muscles, even little ones. Before you start the games, line the kids up and do some fun stretches, jumping jacks, high steps, and more to get their bodies moving!

How Far Can You...
Boot the Ball - Line the kids up at one end of the field. Let each kid "boot the ball" as far as he/she can. Farthest ball wins a small prize.
Throw In Challenge - Teach the kids about soccer throw ins. Once they understand how to do it (make sure both feet stay on the ground), give them a throw in challenge, like, farthest throw in or most accurate throw in (throw in that lands closest to target players feet), etc.

Juggling Tricks
You've seen those amazing players-- juggling the soccer ball every which way for hours! Have your gang practice some cool juggling tricks to impress their friends. Review some basics about juggling a soccer ball online before the party. At the party, start out with jugging with the knees (marching steps). Add in some light foot kicks (must keep in control) and possibly a chest move. See how many times they can juggle the ball/keep it in "play."

Headers: for Those Who Are Brave
Some kids just have a natural knack for knowing how to head a soccer ball. Some want NOTHING to do with it! I'm sure at your party, you may have all types. For those who'd like to try it, teach them some basics about heading a soccer ball, and then let them practice on your own. Some kids may just surprise you on how much they like it!

Relay Races
Dribbling Obstacle Course - Set up cones in a line down a field. Separate the kids into 2 teams. Have each child weave in and out of the cones dribbling the ball, then pass to the next player when done. First team that finishes wins.
The Pass It Relay (Hot Potato) - Split the kids into 2 teams. Have the kids in each team spread out in a line down the field about 10-15 feet apart (more or less depending on the age.) Start by having the first person in line pass to the next person, and so on, until the ball is passed to the last person in line. Tell the kids the ball is a hot potato and they must pass quickly, but obviously, accuracy in passing is key to as well. Once the ball is at the last person, he/she must pass it back down the line. First team to complete all the passes wins the relay.
Anything Goes Relay - This is one of those fun relays, where anything goes. Set up obstacles down a large field. From objects the kids need to dribble around, or kick the ball through a tube, or jump over or spin around-- mix it up and make it fun. The kids will love running (or dribbling the ball) through the obstacle course and finishing quickly!

Penalty Kicks on the Parents
What kid wouldn't want to shoot a penalty kick against a parent? Line the kids up for penalty shots, and have the shoot one at a time. Keep tally, Kids vs. Parents... and see how each fare!

Mixing it Up
Golf Soccer - Set up a "hole" or spot very far down the field where the kids much kick the ball to. You could put out a hula hoop as a marker, or just a string in a circle to mark the hole. Have the kids each stand at the "tee" or spot to start the kick off. Try to kick the ball into the hole with the fewest kicks.
Baseball Soccer - Have the party play a fun game of baseball, but instead of a bat and ball, use a soccer ball.

Scrimmage
A good old fashioned scrimmage may be a great way for kids to burn off energy and have fun. Try to keep the scrimmage not too competitive so kids who may be new to the game don't feel intimidated by the soccer stars. Possible a scrimmage where passing is required, or no goalies for very little ones. Or make it a fast moving game where kids have to change positions every 5 minutes!

Construction Party Game and Craft Ideas

Construction Party Game and Craft Ideas from B.Nute productions

Your Construction Party is in full swing-- now what can you do to keep a group of eager builders occupied? Look no further-- here is a blueprint plan of games and craft activities perfect for your Construction Party!

Building Blocks - from Big to Small
Building blocks come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on the age of your party, here are a variety of ideas to keep your little builders busy!

Empty Cardboard Boxes - Head to the local home warehouse and pick up a bunch of cardboard moving boxes (various sizes.) Put boxes together with tape but keep empty. On a large lawn area or open space, let the builders stack, build and create with the large boxes.
Shoe Boxes - Similar to empty cardboard boxes, but a little easier to manage for younger kids, tape up a bunch of empty shoe boxes and let the kids build!
Large Building Blocks for Little Hands - "Lego" like blocks come in a variety of sizes for varying aged children. Larger blocks are perfect for little hands and can be hours of fun for building.
Little Building Blocks - Small building blocks are great for older kids. Create buildings, space ships and more.
Wood Blocks - Traditional wood blocks can provide hours of fun for builders.

Painter's Workshop - Painting with Water
There's nothing like using the "real" tool to have some fun. Get out loads of large paint brushes and roll on brushes. Set out water buckets and painter bins, and let the kids "paint" a wall or driveway. It's fun to see the "paint"/water on the ground, and watch it disappear as it dries. This activity will provide hours of fun and can also be great on a warm day!

Plumbers Workshop
Head to the home warehouse store and pick up large plastic piping. Straight pipes, curved pipes, and various sizes. Let your crew put the pipes together and take apart. You can also provide marbles or water to let them pour through the pipe when they've combined a bunch together.

Sandbox of Trucks
Little ones will love a sandbox filled with construction trucks to play in. This activity is guaranteed to be a hit.

Build a City - Butcher Paper Town
Head out and purchase a large roll of white butcher paper (can be white wrapping paper). Roll out on the ground and tape together to make a very large "playmat." You can start the drawing by creating roads in the town, but then layout large crayons and let the kids add to their hearts content... houses, buildings, skyscrapers, gas stations, stop signs, etc. After the town has been created, get out some play cars and trucks and let the kids drive around their town.

Relay Races
Relay races are great for getting kids running and using up energy! Here are a few construction themed relay races to try. Be creative and add your own ideas too.

Toolbox Relay - Divide the party into 2 teams. Place a pile of pretend tools on one end of the course (2 piles, one for each team). Provide each team with an empty tool box. Now, one at a time, each person runs with the toolbox to the other end, picks up one tool and puts it in the box... then runs back and hand the toolbox to the next person. This continues until everyone has grabbed a tool. First team to fill their toolbox wins.
Toolbelt Relay - This is an individual race. Spread tools around an obstacle course. Have a toolbelt for the racer. Send the racer off to collect all the tools in the course. You can have kids climb over things or go under things as they get to each tool. You can put 2 kids on the race course, or you can time each child and see who has the best time in the end.

Build a Birdhouse
There are many simple "build your own" kits available for all ages. For an older crowd (with adult help as well) consider building a birdhouse together. For younger kids, find a "build your own" kit that is appropriate for their age.

Build a Collage
Have several flat pieces of lumber cut, one for each child. Provide buckets of washers, screws, bolts, wood pegs, and other elements, and loads of glue. Have each child create their own creative collage by gluing pieces together.

Lil'Carpenter
Is your party filled with little ones who still love to hammer. No problem. Find large pieces of styrofoam. Get a bucket of golf tees, and plenty of children's play hammers. Let the kids hammer away putting the tees into the styrofoam.

Draw a Blueprint
Pick up some blank blue print paper, and set out sheets on a large table. Provide crayons and pens and let kids design their own buildings or homes! Perhaps it will inspire you for your next remodel.

List of Traditional Party Games for Kids and the Young at Heart

Image from "When Life Seemed Simpler" by Welleran Poltarnees

Remember when you were growing up what a big deal going to a birthday party was? You got to wear your fancy party dress (for a girl), wrap a wonderful present and have fun with friends! I particularly remember the party games. Although some of our modern day party accoutrements (jumpy houses, on location parties) are great, nothing says, "Good Ol'Fashioned Party" like a game! Whether your just beginning to plan your child's party, or it's days away, below is a list of traditional party games sure to please all ages!

Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Musical Chairs
Charades
Red Light, Green Light
Tag (and all variants)
Relay Races (obstacle course, potato sack, suitcase relay, spoon relay, etc)
Scavenger Hunts
Treasure Hunts
Costume Contest
Singing (Karoke) Contest
Skits
Telephone Game
Parachute Play
Dress Ups
Bean Bag Toss
Duck, Duck Goose
Hopscotch
Simon Says
Hot and Cold
Mini/PuttPutt Golf
Ring Toss
Hot Potato
Present Unwrap
Twenty Questions
Tug of War
Marco Polo
Bingo
Truth or Dare
Straw Hunt
Categories
Spoons